Gender

Gender is one component of a person's identity, which is made up of many other components, such as culture, ethnicity, and personality traits. Gender develops over a person's lifetime?different people realize at different points in their lives that they are heterosexual, gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

Gender plays an important role when it comes to mental illnesses. Women and men often require different approaches to identifying mental illnesses and getting treatment. Individuals who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual also face unique challenges and have different mental health needs.

Learning more about the relationship between gender and mental health can help improve mental wellness, promote recovery, and reduce discrimination and the negative attitudes oftentimes associated with mental illnesses.

This Web site was developed under contract with the Office of Consumer Affairs in SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services. The views, opinions, and content provided on this Web site do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of SAMHSA or HHS. The resources listed in this Web site are not all-inclusive and inclusion on this Web site does not constitute an endorsement by SAMHSA or HHS.